Mermaid Ombre Scales

AHello all! First timer here and I was hoping you all could help me with a Mermaid themed birthday cake I plan on making next week. The cake will be similar to the picture below. I am making yellow cake with chocolate ganache. Now should I cover the entire cake with fondant? What is the best way to make sure each scale stays attached to the cake? And how would you go about making the Coral?

Hi,i would imagine the scales would stick better if you covered with fondant first but applying the just the scales would keep cost down. If you are making the coral to stand up on the top then you should use sugarpaste or fondant with tylose make them then leave to set so they stand. maybe put a cocktail stick in the middle so you can stick it into the cake. Hope this helps :)